Paul McCartney Remembers George Michael’s ‘Sweet Soul Music’

Following yesterday’s surprise death of George Michael, Paul McCartney paid tribute to the star. He recognized Michael’s roots in African American music and shared some personal recollections.

“George Michael's sweet soul music will live on even after his sudden death,” he wrote on his website. “Having worked with him on a number of occasions his great talent always shone through and his self deprecating sense of humour made the experience even more pleasurable."

In 2005, Michael made a surprise appearance during Paul McCartney’s set at Live 8, where they sang “Drive My Car” (embedded above). A year later, McCartney and Michael duetted on “Heal the Pain,” a re-recording of a track from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Their new version, which appeared on Michael’s career retrospective, Twenty Five, can be found below.

In the same post, McCartney also remembered Rick Parfitt, the guitarist from Status Quo who passed away on Christmas Eve. “Sad Christmas news about Rick Parfitt,” he wrote. “His straight ahead rock and roll style will be sadly missed."

Parfitt’s death came only a few months after longstanding problems with his heart had forced him to leave Status Quo after nearly 50 years. This summer, while on tour, he suffered his second heart attack in two years — and third overall — and had to be brought back to life. However, the official cause of his death was ruled as an infection following complications to a shoulder injury that he sustained after a fall.